In this episode we are looking at the growing number of opportunities for teachers - and students- of learning and teaching languages online. We are discussing the advantages and disadvantages, tips to be a successful online teacher, and the most popular platforms right now. Then we speak with T'helah Ben-Dan, who shares her thoughts on teaching Hebrew on-line.

In this episode we are looking at the growing number of opportunities for teachers - and students- of learning and teaching languages online. We are discussing the advantages and disadvantages, tips to be a successful online teacher, and the most popular platforms right now. Then we speak with T'helah Ben-Dan, who shares her thoughts on teaching Hebrew on-line.

Teaching Language Online

What do research findings indicate about world language study and students with learning disabilities? Which strategies, instructional methods, and adaptations can we employ as language teachers to help all students reach their goals and achieve competence? After an introduction to current research, I speak with Dr. Irene Konyndyk, author of Foreign Languages for Everyone, who shares 8 really effective approaches for world language teachers to boost language learning for kids with learning differences.

What do research findings indicate about world language study and students with learning disabilities? Which strategies, instructional methods, and adaptations can we employ as language teachers to help all students reach their goals and achieve competence? After an introduction to current research, I speak with Dr. Irene Konyndyk, author of Foreign Languages for Everyone, who shares 8 really effective approaches for world language teachers to boost language learning for kids with learning differences.

World Languages for Students with Learning Disabilities

The United Nations has declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. It’s the perfect opportunity to look at the prevalence of indigenous languages around the world, plus best practices to overcome common hurdles. Then we speak with Quechua instructor Américo Mendoza-Mori, who describes the history of Quechua education, and how it is being taught today.

The United Nations has declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. It’s the perfect opportunity to look at the prevalence of indigenous languages around the world, plus best practices to overcome common hurdles. Then we speak with Quechua instructor Américo Mendoza-Mori, who describes the history of Quechua education, and how it is being taught today.

Teaching Indigenous Languages

In this episode we are discussing motivating the students in our classrooms. As language teachers, we know that if students aren’t interested in the language we’re teaching, their progress will be stagnant, and their attitudes will affect the entire mood of the class. Motivation is at least as important as aptitude in acquisition. Today, I examine a theory of motivation, and how we can apply them in education settings. Science- and experienced teachers- tell us what works to get kids motivated and inspired in class. Then I talk to Australian teacher Simone Baluch, who shares tips and activities she uses to get her learners excited, curious, and attentive in class.

In this episode we are discussing motivating the students in our classrooms. As language teachers, we know that if students aren’t interested in the language we’re teaching, their progress will be stagnant, and their attitudes will affect the entire mood of the class. Motivation is at least as important as aptitude in acquisition. Today, I examine a theory of motivation, and how we can apply them in education settings. Science- and experienced teachers- tell us what works to get kids motivated and inspired in class. Then I talk to Australian teacher Simone Baluch, who shares tips and activities she uses to get her learners excited, curious, and attentive in class.

Motivating Students in Class

Student-teacher relationships are critically important, yet they receive far less attention than academic performance indicators. The research overwhelmingly suggests that when teachers and students have positive relationships, and teachers show empathy, warmth, and encourage thinking and learning, we see the positive effect on cognitive student outcomes, increase in participation, and increases in self-esteem. In this episode we are looking at the importance of teacher-students relationships, how they affect learning, and what the research says about community building in class. Then we speak with John Bracey, who shares activities he uses to build community, and how they have even helped with classroom management and behavior.

Student-teacher relationships are critically important, yet they receive far less attention than academic performance indicators. The research overwhelmingly suggests that when teachers and students have positive relationships, and teachers show empathy, warmth, and encourage thinking and learning, we see the positive effect on cognitive student outcomes, increase in participation, and increases in self-esteem. In this episode we are looking at the importance of teacher-students relationships, how they affect learning, and what the research says about community building in class. Then we speak with John Bracey, who shares activities he uses to build community, and how they have even helped with classroom management and behavior.

Importance of Community Building in Class

Today we are talking about creating video lessons to use in the classroom to provide comprehensible input, teach kids about culture, or focus on a specific use of grammar in a flipped classroom. Media truly is one of the most valued tools in language teaching and learning. When we wield high interest videos, we can harness the power of curiosity, even in reserved students. Today we’re looking at how we can use video lessons- either in class or assigned videos for home- to give students another chance to understand the target language.

Today we are talking about creating video lessons to use in the classroom to provide comprehensible input, teach kids about culture, or focus on a specific use of grammar in a flipped classroom. Media truly is one of the most valued tools in language teaching and learning. When we wield high interest videos, we can harness the power of curiosity, even in reserved students. Today we’re looking at how we can use video lessons- either in class or assigned videos for home- to give students another chance to understand the target language.

Making Video Lessons to Use in Class

In this episode we are discussing the use of media in our classrooms. Photos and videos are excellent authentic resources, whether as curiosity-inducing speaking/writing prompts, a look into cultural insights, an introduction of vocabulary, or as a source of comprehensible input. We look at why and how media is effective in engaging students in class, and then you are going to love the 6 activities that Sarah Breckley shares in her interview.

In this episode we are discussing the use of media in our classrooms. Photos and videos are excellent authentic resources, whether as curiosity-inducing speaking/writing prompts, a look into cultural insights, an introduction of vocabulary, or as a source of comprehensible input. We look at why and how media is effective in engaging students in class, and then you are going to love the 6 activities that Sarah Breckley shares in her interview.

Using Photos and Videos in Class

Today we are talking about incorporating global education in the classroom with simple ideas to connect with classrooms around the world and implement global and cultural learning now. We are discussing what is known as “global education,” integrating lessons about world culture and human geography into our lessons which leads to global competency. It is undeniable that our world is more interconnected than ever. We’ll look at what global competence means, and how world language classes offer such a clear path to competency in a new culture and a portal to understanding the wider world. Then, in my interview with Homa Tavangar, we discuss easy global education tools to get started. Check out The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners for countless hands-on activities to increase cultural awareness and global learning. Finally, don't miss the Kid World Citizen teachers pay teachers store, packed with fun activities that teach kids about the world.

Today we are talking about incorporating global education in the classroom with simple ideas to connect with classrooms around the world and implement global and cultural learning now. We are discussing what is known as “global education,” integrating lessons about world culture and human geography into our lessons which leads to global competency. It is undeniable that our world is more interconnected than ever. We’ll look at what global competence means, and how world language classes offer such a clear path to competency in a new culture and a portal to understanding the wider world. Then, in my interview with Homa Tavangar, we discuss easy global education tools to get started. Check out <a href="https://amzn.to/2E0n8dm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners</a> for countless hands-on activities to increase cultural awareness and global learning. Finally, don't miss the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kid-World-Citizen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kid World Citizen teachers pay teachers store,</a> packed with fun activities that teach kids about the world.

#GlobalEd in World Language Classrooms

World language teachers at the elementary level are often in the unique circumstance of teaching the entire school, with just a limited time each week. World language teachers at all levels face the challenge of teaching and building community and managing their classes in a language that the students don’t all understand yet. In this episode we are discussing classroom management: keeping kids on task, engaged, and acquiring the language. We look at setting up the rules, expectations, and routines in class, plus introduce the Responsive Classroom, and then I interview Julie Speno is a K-4 Spanish Teacher in Maine, in her 25th year teaching languages.

World language teachers at the elementary level are often in the unique circumstance of teaching the entire school, with just a limited time each week. World language teachers at all levels face the challenge of teaching and building community and managing their classes in a language that the students don’t all understand yet. In this episode we are discussing classroom management: keeping kids on task, engaged, and acquiring the language. We look at setting up the rules, expectations, and routines in class, plus introduce the Responsive Classroom, and then I interview Julie Speno is a K-4 Spanish Teacher in Maine, in her 25th year teaching languages.

Classroom Management Strategies

In this episode we are discussing music in the world language classroom: the connection between music and language has been studied extensively, and teachers have used music successfully in their classrooms for decades. We’ll look at the benefits of using music with our students, plus go over tons of ideas of activities using music in class. Let’s first look at what the research says about music and language learning- and learning in general- and then I’ll interview Elisabeth Alvarado, a Spanish teacher who transformed her classroom when she changed the way she incorporated music in her lessons. Elisabeth shares 5 ways to use music in class, with tons of example activities for different ages!

In this episode we are discussing music in the world language classroom: the connection between music and language has been studied extensively, and teachers have used music successfully in their classrooms for decades. We’ll look at the benefits of using music with our students, plus go over tons of ideas of activities using music in class. Let’s first look at what the research says about music and language learning- and learning in general- and then I’ll interview Elisabeth Alvarado, a Spanish teacher who transformed her classroom when she changed the way she incorporated music in her lessons. Elisabeth shares 5 ways to use music in class, with tons of example activities for different ages!

Using Music in World Language Classrooms

Language Latte is a conversation about teaching world languages. Becky Morales looks at research and speaks with teachers from around the globe to find out the best and most efficient methods, materials, and tips to help students gain fluency. Topics include educational technology, getting students to speak in the target language, teaching vocabulary, using films and popular games in class, bringing in culture, using IPA’s, TPRS, CI, the role of grammar, and more. More educational resources, plus show notes and links can be found on kidworldcitizen.org.

Although there haven’t been new episodes in awhile the back catalogue is full of amazing gems that inspire and motivate me to make positive change!

Love sipping language latte!

This podcast is just the right length, and the half information, half interview format holds my attention easily.  Great resource for language teachers.  Check out the episodes on IPAs and FVR!

Thumbs up for Language Latte!

Language Latte is a conversation about teaching world languages. Becky Morales looks at research and speaks with teachers from around the globe to find out the best and most efficient methods, materials, and tips to help students gain fluency. Topics include educational technology, getting students to speak in the target language, teaching vocabulary, using films and popular games in class, bringing in culture, using IPA’s, TPRS, CI, the role of grammar, and more. More educational resources, plus show notes and links can be found on <a href="http://kidworldcitizen.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kidworldcitizen.org</a>.

Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers

Today we are talking about getting students to speak in the target language in our language classes. What should be the goal of our speaking exercises in class? How do you create an environment that encourages speaking? Is it possible to teach 100% in the target language? Treat yourself to a latte, settle in, and join our Language Latte facebook group to get in on the conversation!  Every episode, I examine issues that world language teachers face when trying to help our students’ achieve proficiency.  This episode’s topic affects every language teacher around the world: getting students to speak in class. It’s not just “speaking,” it's communicating in the target language with each other. There are different ways and tricks to elicit this oral communication- but what does the research have to say? How can we get students to the point where they are comfortable trying out their new language? If we are meeting students where they are, can we expect beginners to actually speak? What kind of speaking activities are the most effective and engaging? Let’s first look at what the research says about oral communication and best practices, and then I’ll interview Sherry Schermerhorn, a stellar Spanish and French teacher who teaches 100% in the target language. Sherry shares how she decided to switch to 100%, plus her best tips for teachers who want to increase speaking in class, and how she KEEPS students in the target language.

Today we are talking about getting students to speak in the target language in our language classes. What should be the goal of our speaking exercises in class? How do you create an environment that encourages speaking? Is it possible to teach 100% in the target language? Treat yourself to a latte, settle in, and join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1607596969354282/?ref=br_rs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our Language Latte facebook group</a> to get in on the conversation! Every episode, I examine issues that world language teachers face when trying to help our students’ achieve proficiency.  This episode’s topic affects every language teacher around the world: getting students to speak in class. It’s not just “speaking,” it's communicating in the target language with each other. There are different ways and tricks to elicit this oral communication- but what does the research have to say? How can we get students to the point where they are comfortable trying out their new language? If we are meeting students where they are, can we expect beginners to actually speak? What kind of speaking activities are the most effective and engaging? Let’s first look at what the research says about oral communication and best practices, and then I’ll interview Sherry Schermerhorn, a stellar Spanish and French teacher who teaches 100% in the target language. Sherry shares how she decided to switch to 100%, plus her best tips for teachers who want to increase speaking in class, and how she KEEPS students in the target language.

Getting Students to Speak in the Target Language

In this episode we are getting an introduction to Comprehensible Input. It’s not just having students “listen” to the target language, it’s providing them with input that is specialized and conducive for language acquisition. What does the research have to say the importance of comprehensible input? What are the benefits of maintaining a comprehensible classroom? How can we transition into using CI if our school has a prescribed curriculum and set of assessments?  Let’s first look at what the research says about second language acquisition and comprehensible input, and then I’ll interview Tina Hargaden, an engaging Spanish and French teacher with an outstanding comprehensible classroom. Tina shares why she is textbook free and uses CI in conjunction with her curriculum, plus her best CI tips for teachers who shy away from being the bubbly, entertainer in front of the class, and how she shares with her students their language growth and progress.

In this episode we are getting an introduction to Comprehensible Input. It’s not just having students “listen” to the target language, it’s providing them with input that is specialized and conducive for language acquisition. What does the research have to say the importance of comprehensible input? What are the benefits of maintaining a comprehensible classroom? How can we transition into using CI if our school has a prescribed curriculum and set of assessments? Let’s first look at what the research says about second language acquisition and comprehensible input, and then I’ll interview Tina Hargaden, an engaging Spanish and French teacher with an outstanding comprehensible classroom. Tina shares why she is textbook free and uses CI in conjunction with her curriculum, plus her best CI tips for teachers who shy away from being the bubbly, entertainer in front of the class, and how she shares with her students their language growth and progress.

What is Comprehensible Input?

In this episode, we are focusing on reaching language learners’ needs. Often cases, the students we are referring to are immigrants, refugees, or expats- students who are trying to learn the majority language of the school or community. These students often are in mainstream classes, and then are pulled either to a special language class, or pulled to receive one on one services, for example in reading or writing. Today we’re speaking with a support teacher who understand what it is like to learn a new language, and live in a new culture. Ana Elisa Miranda is from Brazil but lives in Belgium. She works as a learning support and ESL teacher at a primary international school. Ana Elisa shares strategies to use with language learners to support their language journey.

In this episode, we are focusing on reaching language learners’ needs. Often cases, the students we are referring to are immigrants, refugees, or expats- students who are trying to learn the majority language of the school or community. These students often are in mainstream classes, and then are pulled either to a special language class, or pulled to receive one on one services, for example in reading or writing. Today we’re speaking with a support teacher who understand what it is like to learn a new language, and live in a new culture. Ana Elisa Miranda is from Brazil but lives in Belgium. She works as a learning support and ESL teacher at a primary international school. Ana Elisa shares strategies to use with language learners to support their language journey.

Supporting Language Learners

How- and why- should world language teachers incorporate the diverse cultures that speak the languages we are teaching? Does social justice play a role in language classrooms? A look at the current research on culturally inclusive classrooms, and how teachers can show our students that their experiences, and their voices matter. Dr Hines-Gaither helps us examine how we can reach the students we teach, and how we can diversify the content we use.

How- and why- should world language teachers incorporate the diverse cultures that speak the languages we are teaching? Does social justice play a role in language classrooms? A look at the current research on culturally inclusive classrooms, and how teachers can show our students that their experiences, and their voices matter. Dr Hines-Gaither helps us examine how we can reach the students we teach, and how we can diversify the content we use.

Culturally Inclusive Classrooms

In this episode we are discussing the role of reading in the world language classroom: there are a myriad of benefits our students get from reading in the target language. We’ll look at how teachers are getting students to read for pleasure, reading topics of interest and books of their own choosing; learn about the power of reading as a necessary input activity in our students’ journey towards proficiency. Plus we’ll talk about classroom libraries, and engaging activities that can be done in tandem. Finally, I’ll interview A. C. Quintero, a high school Spanish teacher who has authored multiple books for language learners.

In this episode we are discussing the role of reading in the world language classroom: there are a myriad of benefits our students get from reading in the target language. We’ll look at how teachers are getting students to read for pleasure, reading topics of interest and books of their own choosing; learn about the power of reading as a necessary input activity in our students’ journey towards proficiency. Plus we’ll talk about classroom libraries, and engaging activities that can be done in tandem. Finally, I’ll interview A. C. Quintero, a high school Spanish teacher who has authored multiple books for language learners.

The Role of Reading in Language Classrooms

This is part 2 of our series on early language learners. Early childhood and elementary teachers have different ways and tricks to reach this younger crowd- but what does the research have to say? How can we teach early language learners a new language while they are still developing their first language? If we are meeting students where they are, can we expect our younger students to begin communicating in both languages? What kind of activities are really fun, and keep the kids active and engaged? Let’s first look at what the research says about early language learners and best practices, and then I’ll interview Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, a dynamic Mandarin Chinese language teacher who has experience teaching kids around the world. She shares 6 concrete tips for teaching early language learners.

This is part 2 of our series on early language learners. Early childhood and elementary teachers have different ways and tricks to reach this younger crowd- but what does the research have to say? How can we teach early language learners a new language while they are still developing their first language? If we are meeting students where they are, can we expect our younger students to begin communicating in both languages? What kind of activities are really fun, and keep the kids active and engaged? Let’s first look at what the research says about early language learners and best practices, and then I’ll interview Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, a dynamic Mandarin Chinese language teacher who has experience teaching kids around the world. She shares 6 concrete tips for teaching early language learners.

6 Tips for Teaching Early Language Learners

In this episode we are discussing our students, and how to keep them in our language programs through the advanced levels. We will talk a bit about what schools are doing to retain students, and then I’ll interview Casey Chon, who is studying Arabic education at Boston University. She’s going to share her ideas on keeping our student numbers up and our language programs growing.

In this episode we are discussing our students, and how to keep them in our language programs through the advanced levels. We will talk a bit about what schools are doing to retain students, and then I’ll interview Casey Chon, who is studying Arabic education at Boston University. She’s going to share her ideas on keeping our student numbers up and our language programs growing.

Retaining Students in Our Language Programs

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